Chapter 147: The Fifth Realm of Calligraphy!

Rolling mountains rise and fall, shrouded in mist and clouds.

Seasons turn in an endless cycle, and time flows like a rushing river.

In early spring, patches of lingering snow can still be faintly seen nestled within the mountains. Beneath the peach trees, pink petals drift down like rain, dancing lightly in the gentle breeze. Sunlight filters through the sparse branches, casting a warm and soft glow upon the earth.

As the seasons progress, spring gradually fades and summer arrives. The temperature in the mountains slowly rises, and a fresh fragrance fills the forest. From the lush greenery come the chirping of insects and the calls of birds, allowing one to feel the most primitive and beautiful sounds of nature within this tranquil and serene environment.

In autumn, the maple and ginkgo trees display vibrant shades of fiery red, golden yellow, and rich orange. Fallen leaves carpet the entire valley.

Winter brings swirling snowflakes, leaving a blanket of pure white across the forest. The cold wind howls, silent and solemn.

All four seasons pass in the blink of an eye.

Seated in full lotus position on the edge of a sheer cliffside on the side of Yunti Peak, Qi Xiu wears a plain, wide-white robe, facing the abyss.

He had sat in motionless meditation for who knows how long.

Suddenly, he raises a hand and traces lightly through the void. Azure cloud-seal talismans flutter from his fingertips, condensing into a majestic, heavy character of [Thunder] that carries a faint hint of heavenly might.

Calligraphy, the Fifth Realm!

Done!

Slowly opening his eyes, he exhales a pale-white mist of frost. Staring at the [Thunder Talisman] hovering and refusing to disperse in the empty air, Qi Xiu's expression relaxes.

There were no unexpected mishaps this time around.

The spell talisman is finally in his grasp.

After nearly six long years, he has finally advanced his calligraphy to the Fifth Realm.

And the cloud-seal talisman he comprehended this time is precisely the spell talisman he has yearned for so long.

Silently sensing the wondrous marvels of Fifth-Realm calligraphy, Qi Xiu's gaze flickers slightly.

Compared to the fourth-realm calligraphy's extension of drawing talismans in the void, once calligraphy reaches the Fifth Realm, aside from comprehending spell talismans, it seems to have no other effects.

Wait, no.

Just as Qi Xiu thought that Fifth-Realm calligraphy merely granted the comprehension of cloud-seal spell talismans, the [Thunder Talisman] before him reveals a subtle anomaly.

The potency is wrong.

The martial arts power evolved from ordinary cloud-seal talismans is usually only twenty percent of the original version. Medicine talismans and drawing talismans are even scarcer, at a mere ten percent.

But right now...

With a single thought, Qi Xiu flicks his fingertip, and a [Sword Talisman] materializes instantly. A formless sword qi bursts forth, piercing straight through the mountain opposite him in an instant, leaving behind a hole dozens of meters deep.

His five fingers move again, and various medicine and drawing talismans take shape one after another.

Indeed, the potency has increased.

The martial talismans have risen to thirty percent of the original version's power. Medicine and drawing talismans have directly doubled, reaching twenty percent of the original effect.

It seems that Fifth-Realm calligraphy, in addition to spell talismans, also comprehensively amplifies the power of all cloud-seal talismans!

While the martial, medical, and artistic talismans are all well and good, what about the suppression talismans...

With a slight flick of his finger, Qi Xiu sketches a [Suppression Talisman]. Contemplating it carefully for a moment, his gaze shifts subtly.

The power has not changed.

However, the "thickness" has increased.

This thickness does not refer to an increase in the physical volume of the suppression talisman. Rather, the total amount of mystical energy contained within it has grown.

Suppression talismans are different from other talismans; they are not derived from other arts, and thus their potency has always remained constant.

A suppression talisman drawn by Qi Xiu in the mortal realm possesses mortal-realm power. A suppression talisman drawn by Qi Xiu in the Dao-Entering realm possesses Dao-Entering realm power.

The power of a suppression talisman has always been on par with Qi Xiu's cultivation, strictly proportional.

Yet after breaking through to the Fifth Realm of calligraphy, the total mystical energy capacity of the suppression talisman has increased.

In other words, where a single suppression talisman could previously suppress and slay one Dao-Entering realm demon, after reaching the fifth realm, a single suppression talisman can now suppress and slay two Dao-Entering demons.

The power remains the same, but the capacity has doubled.

It is much like upgrading from a single bullet to two.

"The total mystical energy of the suppression talisman has increased, and the duration has also been prolonged. Perhaps one day, a single suppression talisman will be able to permanently pacify a region, keeping demons and evil cultivators from even drawing near—just as they currently use the 'Roaring Saint's Heart' to pollute the land."

Having successfully broken through to the Fifth Realm of calligraphy, Qi Xiu is just about to rise and head back when a crane with snow-white feathers, a slender neck, and long, powerful wings flies over, majestic and graceful.

"Seventh Master, the Peak Master orders you to proceed immediately to the summit grand hall."

Hovering before Qi Xiu, the crane speaks in a human voice, its tone low and rather peculiar.

"Understood."

Nodding, Qi Xiu leaps forward, transforming into a crimson bolt of thunder and lightning that drags a blindingly brilliant, long trail of sparks. In a single breath, he touches down at the summit grand hall atop Yunti Peak.

This ancient structure stands tall and majestic. Its towering roof is built from heavy bluestone blocks, and despite the weathering of years, it retains its sturdy posture.

Before the hall lies a wide flight of stone steps leading to massive double bronze doors.

The bronze doors are carved with exquisite, delicate patterns and mysterious symbols, radiating an ancient and sacred aura. Faint rust and mottled colors left by the passage of time are clearly visible on the doors, as if recounting the countless storms the grand hall has weathered over the long ages.

Landing before the stone steps of the grand hall, Qi Xiu climbs upward and arrives at the entrance.

"Disciple Qi Xiu requests an audience with Master."

"Xiu'er is here? Come right in."

Giving a soft acknowledgement, Qi Xiu lifts his foot and steps into the summit grand hall.

The interior of the hall is filled with a sacred and solemn atmosphere, and the air is scented with a faint fragrance of sandalwood. The walls are hung with gorgeous, brilliantly colored silk tapestries depicting ancient legends and fairyland scenery. The floor is paved with smooth, sturdy marble that emits a crisp echo with every step.

At this moment, three white-haired and white-bearded Daoist priests are seated within the hall.

On the left is Qi Xiu's master, the Master of Yunti Peak and a mighty Dao-body grandmaster, Daoist Master Yunxiong.

On the right is an elderly Daoist with a goatee, his aura abstruse and unfathomable—bottomless, clearly another immensely powerful expert.

Seated in the center is a smiling, chubby old Daoist with a shaved head and snow-white eyebrows, casually twirling two iron balls in his hands. He looks for all the world like a wealthy, retired hedonist from the mortal realm.

"Hahaha, Senior Brother Yunyang, this is my youngest disciple, Qi Xiu. What do you think? Quite a fine talent, isn't he?"

Rising to pull Qi Xiu over to the chubby, playful-looking Daoist, Daoist Master Yunxiong smiles so broadly his beard nearly touches the sky, glancing triumphantly from time to time at the goatee-wearing old Daoist beside him.

"Divine light restrained, fused and deep as an abyss. To possess this level of cultivation at such an age... truly no easy feat."

Giving Qi Xiu a brief glance, the chubby Daoist's gaze narrows slightly, and his smiling expression turns even kinder and more amiable.

"Is he really that impressive? Let me take a look as well."

The goatee-wearing old Daoist stands up and walks over, casually resting a hand upon Qi Xiu's wrist.

Qi Xiu's first instinct at this movement is to dodge.

Yet the old Daoist's lean, slender hand seems to pierce directly through the void, gripping his wrist instantly.

"This cultivation isn't... wait? Such heavy true qi?! What grand scripture are you practicing?"

As soon as the goatee-wearing old Daoist utters these words, the atmosphere in the hall instantly freezes, and three gazes fall upon him simultaneously.

"Yunqing, you are talking far too much."

Waving his sleeve to brush away the old Daoist's hand, Daoist Master Yunxiong wears a trace of displeasure on his face.

The chubby Daoist at the side also gives a light cough.

"Junior Brother Yunqing, come back and take a seat."

Realizing he has spoken out of turn, the goatee-wearing old Daoist chuckles awkwardly and waves a hand at Qi Xiu.

"This old uncle was lacking in manners, pay me no mind, haha."
"You are too polite, Uncle. I practice a family-inherited scripture that is inconvenient to disclose, please forgive me, Uncle."

Since this person can stand on equal footing with Daoist Master Yunxiong, there is a high probability he is also a Dao-body realm grandmaster. Naturally, Qi Xiu cannot let a single remark sour relations, so he steps in to smooth things over.

"Water under the bridge. Come to think of it, if Yunxiong hadn't played dirty back then, you'd be calling me master right now."

Glaring at Yunxiong, Daoist Master Yunqing tucks his hands into his sleeves and sits back down.

"Hmph, losing because of inferior skill, who else is there to blame?"

Refusing to yield an inch to Daoist Master Yunqing, Daoist Master Yunxiong retorts before turning to Qi Xiu:

"Xiu'er, the reason I called you here today is because the compensation from the Gao family has finally arrived. This is the Head of the Bureau of Rectification, your Uncle Daoist Master Yunyang, and that goatee over there is your Uncle Yunqing."

"Greetings, Uncle Yunyang, Uncle Yunqing."

Bowing slightly, Qi Xiu pays his respects to the two elderly Daoists before him.

"No need for formalities. Had it not been for your quick wit and cleverness in promptly shattering the Gao family's scheme, my Shenxiao Sect would have become a knife in the Gao family's hands. You showed both courage and strategy; this matter counts as your foremost contribution. Speak, what is it that you desire? As long as it isn't too outrageous, I have the authority to grant it to you," Daoist Master Yunyang explains softly.

It took a full year just to hash out the compensation.

Truly, struggles for influence among major powers are never easy.

Secretly sighing to himself, Qi Xiu wears a thoughtful expression.

Being asked out of the blue what he wants, he cannot think of anything immediately.

After all, he is hardly lacking in anything at present.

His primary cultivation method is the *Secret Meaning of the Primordial Dragon and Tiger True Scripture*, his arts include the *True Method of the Five Thunders*, and his martial arts include the *Formless Sword Art of Breaking the Body*.

Added to these are the *Qi-Observing Art*, the *Water-Roaming Escapist Technique*, and numerous other methods.

Combined with alchemy, painting, and calligraphy, his daily cultivation schedule is already packed to the brim.

As for magical artifacts and elixirs, he rarely uses them. Furthermore, since he is secluded deep within the mountains, those things are entirely useless to him right now.

Noticing Qi Xiu hesitating, Daoist Master Yunxiong prompts him from the side:

"Don't think about anything specific. Just say whatever you need most urgently right now."

Most urgently...

Frowning in thought for a moment, Qi Xiu looks up and says:

"This disciple dabbles in too many paths and cannot divide his focus to master them all equally. Does Uncle have a way to resolve this?"

"That is indeed an interesting request. Let me ponder on this."

Hearing Qi Xiu's request, Daoist Master Yunyang muses for a moment, his gaze shifting.

"Ah, I have it. Though that item... seems a bit excessive for you."

"Could senior brother mean..." Seemingly realizing something, Yunxiong and Yunqing look at Daoist Master Yunyang simultaneously.

"Indeed, I mean that demonic artifact—the Dual-Heart Mirror!"